AUGUST 2009 OLD TIME TRUCKS
NO BULL – JUST BUFFALO!
By John & Shirley Sponholtz
The Buffalo Fire Appliance Company began operation in 1922. They built trucks on their own chassis, but also used chassis from other builders, as well. In 1939 the company introduced a sleek art deco style of pumper that was very popular. But, despite their high reputation, the company went out of business in 1948. This particular truck, which features that streamlined art deco style, was built in 1946. It has an International Harvester 450 cubic inch gas engine and a five-speed transmission. The first owner was the Huntington Fire Department in Huntington, Indiana (they owned the truck for 30 years). The second owner was a local bank, which restored the truck and used it for advertising and parades. The third owner was a dealer who kept the truck for a while and then put it up for auction, which is where Jerry Howard, the current owner, found it. Jerry has many old trucks and this Buffalo wasn’t getting much attention so he decided to bid on it. From then on, he has been the owner of this neat old rig. The truck was apparently kept in good condition throughout its life. The only thing Jerry did was clean it up, wax it and repair the brakes. Notice that the front windshield pushes out. This feature was popular before there was air conditioning. Jerry says that there is a fierce wind in the cab when you get up to speed – “Enough to part you hair!” Jerry likes to say he can now put out fires. But first, he’ll have to fill the tank with water, check the tires and maybe recharge the battery.